A young woman who loves all things domestic and beautiful.

I Needed This

First thing this morning I read this article, that my brother Tim linked to, on the Biblical theology of motherhood. God knew I needed to read this. The longer I am a wife and mother, inspirational little stories, quotes, etc mean very little to me. Good and solid biblical truth is what I need. I teared up often as I read this account of the biblical importance, the role, the need and call of motherhood. If you need to read some truth today about your calling as a mother (Because sometimes it seems like such a thankless job) do read the article. Here are some favorite excerpts.

“Adam and Eve must be fruitful and multiply to do the next thing God told them to do: “!ll the earth and subdue it and have dominion” (1:28). The two of them alone would not be able to !ll the earth, subdue it, and exercise dominion. Motherhood is vital to the mandate God gave to humanity to fill, subdue, and rule the earth.”

“God’s justice against the woman, pain in childbearing (Gen 3:16), makes triumph difficult but not impossible. Motherhood makes the world’s salvation possible. Indeed, the world’s salvation will only come through motherhood.”

“A mother might not seem like a military asset, but the weak and helpless babies she brings forth are what God uses to establish his strength and silence his adversaries—not when they grow to be mighty warriors but when they voice their wordless cries, when their very lives testify that God makes life prevail over death, blessing triumph over curse, and the infant child of the woman portends doom to the ancient dragon.”

And my very favorite quote from the article.

“This side of the curses narrated in Genesis 3:14–19, motherhood is a mercy. Promised to none, none deserve it; none have earned it. None can justly expect or demand to experience it. Death was deserved, and God upheld justice but also extended the mercy of motherhood.6 Motherhood is a sacred privilege granted by God’s good pleasure.”

As I read this article I could not help but marvel again at God’s redemptive plan. To think that he has been so merciful, gracious, compassionate and kind to allow me to be part of this plan. That I have been mercifully granted the gift of bringing life into this world. “He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things-and the things that are not-to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus who has become for us wisdom from God-that is, our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. Therefore it is written: Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” (Rom. 1:28-31) Not only is my salvation an undeserved gift, but motherhood is as well- a sacred privilege. Something I often fail to remind myself.

I have only been a wife for 5 years and a mother for 3 but the amount of forced sanctification that has happened these past years has been astounding to me. The faithfulness of my Father to pull me through not only the trials of life but also the ugliness of who I am has given me a much deeper love for my Lord. I have said it a million times but, I did not know what an ugly person I was until I got married…and then having children only revealed more deep rooted sin. God knew I needed Justin and my two precious girls to not only give me the greatest joy I have ever experienced, but also the greatest purging of sin. And to think there is still so much more that God will reveal and extract from me over time. It can be a daunting and scary thought…all that painful sanctifying that will happen. But, as a Christian I will inevitably be forced to die to self. That dying to self only means I become more like Christ. And as I go through the trials of this life I cling to the promise that one day I will live with Him in eternity. Then I will finally, finally be made perfect. And isn’t it amazing to know that we are “more than conquerors through him who loved us.” (Rom. 8:37)

Of course, it wouldn’t be a proper post without some picture of my two little means of sanctification.

Wearing their new outfits from Nan.

I also wanted to share some pictures of this past weekend. My sister’s little girl turned 4 and they threw her a fairy birthday party. I am actually doing the same thing for Cora’s birthday. I helped my sister get her house ready which was good for me…gave me ideas for Cora’s party.

The sweet birthday girl.

Precious little fairies everywhere.

Cousins.

Friends.

I am hoping Cora’s fairy party will go as smoothly as this one…anyone else find themselves dreading their childs birthday party a month in advance? Thank goodness for pinterest and all the ideas for parties circulating out there.

‘Til next time!

5 Responses to I Needed This

I love those thoughts Grace! As you know, I’ve been going through a real time of feeling completely lost as a mother…I used to feel such a strong sense of calling but that has definitely diminished through time, etc. I think we all need a good reminder to set us on the right path again!:)

THANK YOU for helping me with the party…I think we pulled off quite an impressive event and it turned out more beautiful than I had even imagined! I can’t wait to see how Cora’s turns out!!!